Tumbleweed is a highly harmful weed that not only affects the growth of other plants but also poses great risks to human health. Let's take a look at the growth characteristics and its application value of tumbleweed.
【Growth Characteristics of Tumbleweed】
1. Strong Regeneration Ability
Stems, nodes, branches, and roots can all grow new roots. After cuttings are planted, new plants can form. The remaining above-ground parts after removal or cutting can quickly regenerate. The growth period is uneven and overlapping.
The emergence period can start from mid to late March and last until late November, a span of 7 months. Early and late maturing tumbleweeds have a difference of over a month in their growth periods. This is the direct cause of the uneven and overlapping growth periods.
2. Moisture-Loving
Tumbleweed is a shallow-rooted plant that cannot absorb water from deep soil layers. It commonly shows wilting and withering symptoms in the dry autumn season, while it thrives in damp areas.
3. Strong Cold Resistance
Mature tumbleweeds can withstand temperatures as low as -3 to -5℃, making them perennial tumbleweeds. They grow densely in clusters. As tumbleweed fruits generally scatter within a radius of 1-1.5m around the plants, this happens year after year, resulting in the dense growth of clusters.
【Harm of Tumbleweed to Plants】
1. Nutrient Absorption
Tumbleweed generally grows in groups and spreads extensively. Its regeneration and reproductive abilities are very strong. It not only makes the soil dry and infertile but also blocks sunlight due to its tall stature, making it difficult for other plants to grow and reproduce. The strong reproductive ability makes it difficult to eradicate tumbleweed once it starts growing.
2. Spread of Diseases and Pests
Do you know what causes sunflower leaf spots and soybean pests? Part of the reason is tumbleweed. This is another harm caused by tumbleweed, as it can spread diseases and pests.
When tumbleweed fruits are mixed with other plants, it can lead to terrifying spread. For example, cabbage clubroot disease is caused by tumbleweed.
【Application of Tumbleweed in Combination】
1. Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections
Tumbleweed fresh whole plant 6 qian to 1 or two taels (dry 4 to 6 qian).
Decoction for oral administration before meals, once a day. (Fujian Folk Herbal Medicine)
2. Treatment of Injuries, Muscle Contraction, and Pain
Tumbleweed fresh whole plant one handful and a bunch of hair.
Boil the soup and use it for fumigation and washing, once a day, can be done regularly. (Fujian Folk Herbal Medicine)
3. Treatment of Abscesses in the Popliteal Fossa
Tumbleweed fresh whole plant two taels, stewed in alcohol for oral administration; mash and apply to the affected area. (Fujian Chinese Herbal Medicine)
